Bhutan: Second phase peri-urban and urban-farming launched

About 100 acres of barren land has been leased for peri-urban and urban farming across Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, and Chhukha.

By Chencho Dema
Kuensel
Apr 24, 2024

Excerpt:

Punakha—Following the success of the first urban farming initiative, as a component of the Covid-19 contingency strategy in 2020, Department of Agriculture has initiated the second phase, now named as the Peri-urban and Urban Farming (PUUF) initiative.

The project worth about Nu 8 million started in January last year to consolidate the insights gained from the inaugural phase while integrating new lessons learned.

The primary aim of the first phase was to offer relief and contingency measures for youth affected by Covid-19, particularly those living on the outskirts of urban areas. It was also to foster group work among youths, focusing on high-value crops, shops, and other ventures to generate sustainable income and livelihoods.

The project involved 300 youths in Thimphu, mostly in gardening who had the opportunity to earn some revenue from the surplus sale of vegetables.

Project coordinator of PUUF, BB Rai said the second phase would be done in two modes. The first will provide support to any urban residents keen on establishing or expanding their vegetable gardens. Seeds and technical guidance would be provided. The second approach targets groups, particularly youth groups consisting of at least five members.

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